January 22nd, 2024
Funchal, Madeira
We picked up our pilot at 9:00 and slowly made our way to the port in Funchal, cruising along the beautiful coastline. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, it had the makings of the perfect day to be a tourist.
We docked at 11:00, across from P&O Azura and Aida Cosma, both significantly larger ships than the Balmoral.
Our plan was to spend the day with Ruth, one of my roommates from university, and her husband Joseph. We had not seen them in over 40 years so I was very excited to see them again.
As we descended the gangway and stepped onto the quayside, there they were shouting at us from in front of the hotel on the pier. Soon we were hugging and exclaiming how much we hadn’t changed over the years, although of course we had.
We got into their car, and our first stop was at the Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe at 580 meters, and the 2nd highest sea cliff in the world. It really is quite spectacular, especially as there is a glass and steel platform through which you can look down onto the cliff face. There is also a wonderful view of the Madeira coastline.
We then drove to Rebeira Brava and across the mountains to Sao Vincente.
The first thing you see in Sao Vincente are the rather odd mushroom sculptures.
We then went on a short walk through a lava cave to the Chapel of the Rock, and then across the road to watch the waves on the black rocky beach.
We drove along the coastline to Porto Moniz and watched the intrepid swimmers in the natural swimming pools. It looked like fun, but apparently the water is quite cold.
There were interesting rock formations along the way.
Our drive back to Funchal took us to see the Jurassic trees in the Fanal forest. They looked interesting on our bright sunny day, but apparently the forest is usually shrouded in the mist which gives it an other world feeling.
We had worked up quite an appetite so it was time to stop for a bite to eat in Camara de Lobos at the Polar Restaurant. The food and wine were delicious, and very reasonable, and the view was good too.
But all too soon in was time to say goodbye and head back to the ship in time for our sail away.
Madeira is a very interesting island and we really enjoyed our time there – next time we will get to do the cable car ride and see the botanic garden. It was so wonderful to spend time with old friends, it’s amazing when despite the decades that have passed, it feels like yesterday that we were being wild students together.
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